President of Hong Kong Polytechnic University Professor Timothy W. Tong speaks at a luncheon in New York on May 2.

Acting Director of HKETONY Paul Cheung gives opening remarks at the luncheon held in honor of Professor Timothy W. Tong.

During his visit to New York City, Hong Kong Polytechnic University President Professor Timothy W. Tong, JP, highlighted the growing importance of the role of innovation and technology in Hong Kong’s knowledge-based economy, noting that the city ranked seventh in the World Economic Forum's Global Competitiveness Report 2013-14.

He also mentioned Hong Kong Polytechnic University’s collaboration with U.S. universities and how the institution has helped promote closer relations between Hong Kong and the U.S.

In his welcoming remarks, Acting Director of HKETONY Paul Cheung said the HKSARG is committed to nurturing the next generation of talents.

“Education is the largest single expenditure item in our budget, representing close to 20% of Hong Kong’s total government recurrent expenditure every year,” Mr. Cheung said. “This also represents an increase of nearly 80% over 1997.”

About 40 leaders in the fields of education and technology from the New York tri-state area attended the luncheon.

Among those present were university representatives from Cornell, Columbia and Rockefeller, as well as a number of senior representatives from non-profit organizations specializing in international education collaboration, such as the Institute of International Education and the World Education Services.

The luncheon was attended by close to 40 leaders in the fields of education and technology from the tri-state area.